In 2010, WDSU introduced New Orleans to the "Parade Tracker" -- a hyper-local app that gave smart phone users the ability to see exactly where a parade was, and to know when it would be arriving at their location. The response was overwhelming, and each year since, technological and design upgrades have enhanced the experience.

The development of this app and the parades included therein has come by leaps and bounds.

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In 2012, the WDSU Parade Tracker followed 31 parades (10 more than the year prior). In early 2013 -- for the next Carnival -- the number jumped to more than 50, with expansion to areas well outside New Orleans.

In its latest version for 2014, WDSU included several St. Patrick's Day parades, carnival news, videos, slideshows and push alerts.

It's no easy task -- and pulling it all together is a feat of technology, creativity and roll-up-your-sleeves hard work. Tracking all those parades requires permission from each individual "krewe" to allow our Parade Tracker vehicle at the head end of their lineups of floats, bands and dance teams.

Then, our two-person tracking squads take their positions and deploy their GPS systems to update each parade's location in real time. The tracking duo also sends along breaking information via text. If a parade stalls or weather prompts a cancellation, users of the Parade Tracker app know right away in the app and on Twitter via @Parades.

When a parade is re-scheduled because of weather concerns (as often happens), the Parade Tracker updates, even re-plotting the route, when necessary.

Long before the first float rolls, users can use the Parade Tracker to make their plans. The app includes routes, dates and times. The news feature offers coverage of topics related to Carnival season -- helpful stories for locals and visitors alike.

There is no charge for the app on either operating system.

The Parade Tracker app was built from the ground up by WDSU-TV and Calliope Digital, both based in New Orleans.